EDUCATION LAWS – The laws reforming the
education system have been submitted to the Senate, the decision-making body in
this matter. On Wednesday, the Chamber of Deputies adopted the law package. The
two bills making key modifications to the pre-university and academic systems
are meant to help graduates attain international standards of excellence,
Education Minister Ligia Deca said in her address to Parliament. Representatives
of ruling coalition parties say the effects of the new laws will become
transparent in upcoming years. From the opposition, USR voted against the law
package, arguing it does not respond to the actual problems facing the
education system.
GRANTS – European Transport
Commissioner Adina Vălean on Wednesday distributed two grants worth €60 mln to
Romanian beneficiaries for the construction of the rail bridge in Ungheni on
the Romanian border with the Republic of Moldova and for the modernization of
the Port of Constanța (southeast). The funds are earmarked under the Connecting
Europe Facility. Regarding the bridge in Ungheni, Commissioner Vălean said the
project will be an extension of the A8 motorway to the Republic of Moldova,
adding that Romania has applied for and secured funding for six bridges.
PNRR – Romania has exceeded the
deadline whereby it could still operate changes to the National Recovery and Resilience
Plan (PNRR) and is now negotiating with European Commission representatives
based on the already agreed measures, Romanian Social-Democrat MEP Victor
Negrescu said in Strasbourg. Due to changing economic indicators, Bucharest
wants to introduce new elements in PNRR such as reforming the pension law,
modifying the law salary law and building the subway line to the Otopeni
Airport. Romania benefits from total funding worth €29 bln. The Commission
disburses the funds in installments until August 2026, depending on each
country fulfilling certain objectives.
FESTIVAL – The Cinefemina Film Festival
has kicked off in Bucharest. The festival promotes and supports women working
in the European film industry by screening features and short films directed by
talented women filmmakers and producers. Running until May 14, the festival
will bring to cinema halls 12 European features and 5 short films. Produced by
film studios from Italy, France, Greece, Romania, Austria, the Netherlands,
Portugal, Poland, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Hungary, the productions tackle a
variety of genres, from comedy, drama to romance. This year, apart from film
screenings, organizers have also prepared meetings with filmmakers as well as
experts in a number of related fields, representatives of NGOs and journalists.
These debates are aimed at promoting women in industries traditionally
dominated by men.
GAUDEAMUS – The Radio Romania Gaudeamus
Book Fair continues today in Oradea (northwest). Running until May 14, the fair
will offer book launches, prize-winning contests and workshops for children.
This year’s edition is attended by 50 brands, including prestigious publishing
houses and book distribution networks. Guests will also get to indulge in educational
games and quality music, and visit a new section called Bookoteca, offering second-hand books.
EUROVISION – Romania’s representative, Theodor Andrei, is tonight
performing in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. On Tuesday,
10 countries secured qualification to the big final: Croatia, the Republic of
Moldova, Switzerland, Finland, the Czech Republic, Israel, Portugal, Sweden,
Serbia and Norway. Representing Moldova was Pasha Parfeni with the
Romanian-language song The Sun and Moon. The 2023 edition is hosted by the
United Kingdom on behalf of last year’s winner, Ukraine. Romania’s
best-rankings in the Eurovision Song Contest include third place in 2005 and
2010 (Luminița Anghel & Sistem / Paula Seling & Ovi) and fourth place
in 2006 (Mihai Trăistariu). (VP)